After a good run at last week’s Indonesia Super Series Taufik Hidayat was upset by Chen Long, a young Chinese upstart. Chen won the match in 3 close games, 21-14, 20-22, 21-19. Following his win over Hidayat, Chen then defeated India’s Arvind Bhat very quickly 21-5, 21-11.

Elsewhere in the draw it seems another Chinese youngster, Zhou Wenlong, was unable to emulate Chen Long’s success as he was easily defeated by Lee Chong Wei 21-18, 21-4. Lee seems to have an ability to absolutely destroy even the best of players on his good days.

Also of note is Lee’s teammate Wong Choong Han who has also made it to the quarter-final stage, but he has yet to truly be tested. He knocked out another Malaysian, Kuan Beng Hong, 21-19, 21-16. Now he plays the Chinese qualifier Gao Huan who will no doubt be tired after playing extra rounds.

In the women’s singles India’s Saina Nehwal fresh off of her win last week dodged a bullet against Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand winning in 3 close games to book her place in the quarter finals against a Chinese qualifier Wang Xin.

Something I have noticed in the women’s singles is now that Zhang Ning has retired it seems as though this event is much more open to other competitors. No doubt this will make the event much more interesting to the fans.

In the men’s doubles there are 5 out of 8 pairs representing Malaysia. Good results for Malaysia, but it probably has more to do with the small numbers of big names in contention here.

Stay Tuned for more updates from the Yonex Sunrise Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold 2009.